Club Banquet Feb 15th

Last Wednesday about 35 club members met at Jake’s Steakhouse for camaraderie, dinner and drinks and a brief business meeting led by Michael Gorman (VP). Tim Gilbert (Pres.) was under the weather and unable to attend.

First order of business was whether or not to continue the Milk Race. There has been a lot of discussion since last August’s race about this. Last year attendance was down by about 50 racers and the event went into the red. In northern Ohio, the Milk Race was the only sanctioned race after the Race at the Lake in May. Most race officials in the area have either retired, resigned or move away. It takes about 25 people to marshal the numerous intersections and it has become more difficult to get barely enough people to volunteer. In the end, a motion was made and seconded to discontinue the Milk Race going forward.

There was considerable discussion about replacing the Milk Race with a Metric Century touring event. Everyone seemed to agree that a tour would require less resources and would be enjoyed by many across the state. Our roads, terrain and scenery is perfect for this type of event. A suggestion was made to incorporate part of the Wayne County Rails to Trails going through Orrville. One member suggested asking Smith’s Dairy to continue sponsorship and to use their name for the event such as the Smith’s Dairy Milk Ride. It was suggested that if the event was to be happen this year, now was the time to get a committee together to further discuss yet no-one stepped up to lead a committee. The topic was tabled for further informal discussion.

A suggestion was made to continue roadside trash pickup for Adopt-a-Highway. The best times were in the spring when cleanup is most needed and during the summer shortly after a mowing. Michael Gorman will continue to manage it.

Thanks to all that attended and to all that volunteered in various capacities to make for a very enjoyable 2016 season.